Answering: “How much time must a Product Owner spend with the Developers?” (PSD)

A Product Owner should spend enough time with the Developers to be confident the Increment will deliver the intended value. Scrum sets no fixed percentage.

Exam Question

How much time must a Product Owner spend with the Developers?
(choose the best answer)
A. 100%.
B. 40%, or more if the stakeholders agree.
C. As much as the Developers tell the Product Owner to be present.
D. Enough so that the Product Owner is confident the Increment will meet the intended value.

Correct Answer

D. Enough so that the Product Owner is confident the Increment will meet the intended value.

Why This Is the Correct Answer

The Scrum Guide does not set a time allocation for the Product Owner. It holds the Product Owner accountable for maximizing the value of the product resulting from the work of the Scrum Team. That accountability drives how much collaboration is needed. Early in a product, or when work is unclear, the Product Owner may need to be with the Developers often to clarify items and answer questions. When items are well understood, less time may be enough. The right amount is whatever lets the Product Owner trust that what is being built matches the value intended.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

A. 100%. Full-time presence is not required. The Product Owner also needs time with stakeholders, customers and the market.

B. 40%, or more if stakeholders agree. Scrum prescribes no percentage, and stakeholders do not set the Product Owner’s time allocation.

C. As much as the Developers tell the Product Owner. The Developers can ask for help, but the Product Owner owns the judgment about how to maximize value.

Exam Tip

Scrum rarely prescribes percentages or fixed numbers outside timeboxes. When an option gives a specific percentage for a person’s time, treat it with suspicion.

Key Takeaways

• Scrum sets no fixed time for Product Owner involvement.
• The goal is confidence in delivering value.
• Product Owner time is split between the team and stakeholders.